Posts Tagged ‘pain’

Veterans and Medical Marijuana; A Special need

Posted By Dr. Sean Breen on June 1st, 2010

As medical director of Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often meet patients who are combat veterans and are in need of help.   One of the blessings in my life was the opportunity to serve along side the Marines of 1st Battalion 4th Marines in Iraq from January-September 2003. I witnessed combat from the front lines and experienced the buffet of emotions that our troops go through on a daily basis.   Now that I am honorably discharged I can openly discuss the benefits of using cannabis to take care of:

1. The anxiety they experience.

2. The anger they may feel at times.

3. The depression, isolation and loneliness they feel.

4. The chronic pain that they are suffering from.

It is quite an honor and a privilege to be able to sit down with them and TRULY understand what they are going though.   Most of them need ongoing therapy which hopefully they get through the VA.  However instead of having to take oxycontin for pain, xanax for anxiety, ambien for insomnia and lexepro for depression they can simply try medicating with cannabis to regulate all of these symptoms.   I have had great success with many veterans over the past two years and really enjoy working with them.  They truly are the few and the proud.   They simply need help.

If you are a veteran and would like to discuss the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medicinal purposes feel free to make an appointment.  call 877-721-0047 or send me an email and I will answer your questions.

Semper fi,

Dr. Breen

Posted in disease treatment
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Treating Arthritis With Marijuana (Cannabis)

Posted By admin on October 19th, 2009

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients who suffer from arthritis.   Many patients are unaware of the significant anti-inflammatory properties that cannabinoids (the medically active ingredients in the plant) have.    Arthritis (inflammation and an overall degradation of the joint) can be secondary to an old injury or as a result of aging.  This joint pain often causes daily pain and also many of my patients have difficulty sleeping at night as a result of “not being able to get comfortable.”

For patients who are unaware of cannabis and its effects on decreasing pain and inflammation this is a very exciting discovery.   In the mid 1980’s scientist discovered that the human body contains two specific types of receptors which cannabinoids bind to in the body.   They are primary located in the nervous and immune systems.  As a result of medicating with the plant patients almost feel an immediately relief of their pain and joints become inflamed.

The reason why I think patients should give cannabis serious consideration is because it is very safe when compared to many of the NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as motrin and tylenol.  NSAIDS can cause ulcerations in the lining of the digestive tract and as a result many patients have developed bleeding which can potentially be life threatening.   Tylenol can also be very toxic to your liver.    Cannabis does not have a negative affect on any of the major organ systems (if vaporized)  and is easily tolerated.    Typically patients can vaporize a small amount prior to going to bed and they end up getting a very restful sleep and wake up feeling much more rested and pain free.

For more information on cannabis and how it can help you please visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com  Dr. Sean Breen specializes in discussing the benefits and risks of medicating with cannabis with patients.  His offices are located in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas.

Posted in disease treatment
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